Also known as Wattle · 172 saves
Acacia
Acacia, the genus most gardeners know as wattle. We track 37 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 24 most-saved Acacia varieties
See all 37 Acacia varieties →Search this genus →
33 species of Acacia
Each one is a parent of the varieties above.
Track your Acacia in Sow
Save the Acacia you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Acacia
Whats common across all Acacia varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 37 most-grown of them.
The Acacia year
- PruneMay and June100% of varieties
Prune lightly immediately after the spring flowering to maintain a dense habit.
- Check for PestsJune–August100% of varieties
Inspect branches for scale insects and signs of boring beetles during the warm summer months.
- FertilizeMarch and April70% of varieties
Apply a light application of low-phosphorus slow-release fertilizer in early spring.
- MulchOctober and November46% of varieties
Apply a coarse organic mulch around the root zone to regulate soil temperature and retain moisture.
- PlantMarch, April and October35% of varieties
Plant in spring or fall to allow roots to establish before extreme temperatures.
Do
- Ensure the soil drains rapidly to prevent root rot.
- Prune lightly immediately after flowering to maintain a dense, compact habit.
- Prune the tips lightly right after the spring bloom to encourage dense growth.
- Water deeply but infrequently during dry spells once the plant is established.
- Use a low-phosphorus, balanced slow-release fertilizer sparingly in spring.
Avoid
- Do not apply high-phosphorus fertilizers.
- Do not apply standard high-phosphorus fertilizers.
- Do not overwater once the root system is established.
- Do not prune hard into old, bare wood.
What goes wrong with Acacia
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Spider mites | Fine webbing on the foliage and pale, speckled needles or leaves. | Blast the foliage with a sharp stream of water or apply insecticidal soap in cool weather. |
| Aphids | Clusters of small, soft-bodied insects on new growth, accompanied by sticky honeydew. | Blast with a strong stream of water or apply insecticidal soap. |
| Scale insects | Small, hard bumps on stems and branches, leading to yellowing foliage. | Apply horticultural oil during the dormant season or scrape off light infestations manually. |
| Deer and rabbits | Chewed stems, missing foliage, and physical damage to young, tender branches. | Install physical barriers or protective netting around young plants until they are established. |
| Root rot | Wilting, yellowing foliage and dieback caused by Phytophthora or Pythium in wet soils. | Ensure high soil drainage and avoid overwatering; there is no effective cure once roots rot. |
| Powdery mildew | White, powdery fungal growth on leaves under damp, shaded conditions. | Plant in full sun and prune surrounding vegetation to improve air circulation. |
| Phytophthora root rot | Wilting, yellowing foliage and rapid dieback caused by waterlogged soil. | Improve soil drainage and strictly avoid overwatering; infected plants must be removed. |
Making more Acacia
Seed
- Scarify the hard seed coat by nicking it or pouring hot water over the seeds and soaking them overnight.
- Sow the swollen seeds in a well-draining seed-starting mix at a depth equal to the seed size.
- Maintain a warm, bright environment and keep the medium consistently moist but not soggy.
- Pot up the seedlings into individual containers once they develop several true leaves.
Semi-hardwood cuttings
- Take 3- to 4-inch semi-hardwood tip cuttings in late summer.
- Dip the cut ends in a rooting hormone gel or powder.
- Insert cuttings into a well-draining mix of perlite and peat.
- Place under mist or a plastic dome with bottom heat until roots establish.
Acacia questions
How many types of Acacia are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 37 distinct Acacia varieties. The most popular — ranked by 172 real gardeners — are shown first above.
What zones does Acacia grow in?
Across its varieties, Acacia covers USDA Zones 7–10. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Acacia bloom?
Most Acacia varieties bloom in winter, late winter, spring. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Acacia should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.